Farewell for Fr George
On Saturday, we had our St Mary’s Choir perform at our Sacred Heart Parish Mass to farewell Fr George before he left. It was lovely to see so many families that were able to come along and support this special celebration. Fr George has travelled home for a family wedding, but will return for our Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday 29 June. He then will be moving to Narooma to serve the Narooma, Bermagui and Cobargo communities.  The Parish have organised a dinner at the Moruya Bowls Club on Tuesday 2 July to officially farewell Fr George. Please let us know if you are able to attend.

Feast of the Ascension of Jesus
Yesterday marks 40 days since Easter. This special Thursday is marked on the liturgical calendar as the Ascension of Jesus into heaven. As a Catholic community we recognise this by listening to readings at Mass, and in classrooms we have been unpacking this, and students have been writing prayers to explain what this means to them today. Ask your child this week what their special prayer intention was during Christian Meditation with this prompt “Jesus, even though I cannot see you, I know you are with me when…”

‘...I am sad. I can close my eyes and know you are near.’ Jason Year 3

‘...We pray during Christian Meditation and thank Jesus for the nature around us.’ Arnem, Kinder

‘...I see the sun shining through the clouds after the rain.’ Berni Year 4

Reconciliation Week & Sorry Day Bridge Walk 
This week we joined together as a school community to reflect on Reconciliation Week as part of our school Assembly. We were first welcomed by Mr Nolan by a special smoking ceremony. Across cultures and traditions, smoke has long been used as a powerful symbol of the sacred. In both Aboriginal and Catholic spiritual practices, smoke connects people to the divine, to community, and to renewal.

In Aboriginal culture, a smoking ceremony is a cleansing ritual. Mr Nolan used local indigenous plant leaves from native cherry tree to produce a white smoke that is believed to ward off bad experiences, promote the wellbeing of participants, and welcome people to Country. It is a deeply respectful act that honours ancestors, brings spiritual renewal, and fosters connection to the land.

As a Catholic school this links perfectly with our understanding of blessing within the Catholic liturgy. Incense is burned in a thurible (censer) during Mass and special rituals. The rising smoke symbolises prayers lifted to God, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the sanctifying of people and sacred spaces. It reminds us of purification, blessing, and reverence.

Though coming from different traditions, both practices use smoke to represent cleansing from negativity, renewal of spirit, and blessing of people and place. Each invites reflection, connection to the sacred, and respect for deeper spiritual realities. By recognising these parallels, we honour the rich spirituality of First Nations peoples and deepen our understanding of the sacred signs within our own Catholic faith.

The 2025 theme for Reconciliation Week; ‘Bridging Now to Next’, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how Australians can all play a part in the healing process for the people and nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country.

Mrs Carla Durnan
Religious Education Coordinator